PDF Stewart_Aust_Ve...pdf | Request a copy Full text restricted Available under University of Tasmania Standard License.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: As the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisi) and the eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunni) are currently at risk of serious population decline or extinction from fatal diseases in Tasmania, the goal of the present study was to describe the normal immune response of these species to challenge using the lymphocyte proliferation assay, to give a solid basis for further studies.

METHODS: For this preliminary study, we performed lymphocyte proliferation assays on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the three species. We used the common mitogens phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (ConA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM).

RESULTS: All three species recorded the highest stimulation index (SI) with the T-cell mitogens PHA and ConA. Tasmanian devils and bandicoots had greater responses than platypuses, although variability between individual animals was high.

CONCLUSION: For the first time, we report the normal cellular response of the platypus, the Tasmanian devil and the eastern barred bandicoot to a range of commonly used mitogens.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Stewart, NJ and Bettiol, SS and Kreiss, A and Fox, N and Woods, GM
Keywords:	Australia • bandicoot • immunology • lymphocyte proliferation assay • mycology • platypus • Tasmanian devil • wildlife
Journal or Publication Title:	Australian Veterinary Journal
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2008.00349.x
Additional Information:	The definitive published version is available online at: http://interscience.wiley.com
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

Actions (login required)

Item Control Page